WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

AT EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY

The Academy enjoys a national and international reputation for the quality of its courses, the performing excellence of its graduates and its outstanding staff. It caters for students who have a burning desire to make a career as professional performers on stage, screen, radio or concert hall, as well as those who have a talent in the technical or management fields.

Although competition for acceptance is fierce, those students fortunate enough to gain a place are challenged by demanding courses which require them to commit themselves to exacting rehearsal schedules necessary to reach the standards of excellence demanded by the profession.

The teaching staff themselves are outstanding performers and teachers, many with distinguished careers. They know first hand what it takes academically, technically and artistically to reach international standards as a performer. They appreciate, too, the dedication and single mindedness needed, even by the most talented performer, and the special spark of creativity which distinguishes the really gifted artist.

The Academy, which is part of Edith Cowan University, is organised into three major schools—the WA Conservatorium of Music, offering courses in classical music and jazz; the School of Dramatic Arts, offering courses in theatre, musical theatre, dance, broadcasting, arts management and production and design; and the School of Visual Arts, offering courses in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking and textiles. Students enjoy the rich opportunity of working together to produce opera, musical theatre, theatre and exhibitions which often involve staff and students from every department. This opportunity is not available in any other institution in Australia.

Over 150 public performances are given each year. Apart from giving students essential experience in performing or exhibiting to the public, this programme provides a rich environment in which a genuine understanding of the profession can be absorbed. Our excellent specialist facilities include a main house theatre, studio theatre, dance studios, art studios, radio and television studios, music auditorium, and practice rooms, together with other specialist teaching and rehearsal areas.

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE ACADEMY

WHO ARE THE FRIENDS?

The Friends are a group of people who support the students and the objectives of the Academy, made up of lovers of the arts, parents or supporters of students, graduates or staff, or locally-based graduates themselves.

Perhaps the most important way this support can be given to the students is by being there, attending the performances regularly and enjoying and encouraging the talent and commitment of the performers.

WHAT DO THE FRIENDS DO?

Due to the great demands rehearsals and these performances make on their time, Academy students sometimes find it difficult to support themselves through casual or part time work. It is for this reason that the Friends as a group provide assistance in the form of interest-free loans to students in financial difficulty. These loans have played a valuable part in helping many talented and committed students who might otherwise have been forced to give up their course.

The funds raised by the Friends are also used to help final year students make the transition into their profession by financially supporting them in the form of travel grants which enable them to attend auditions in the eastern States or to prepare audition tapes or résumés. For example, at the end of their course, musical theatre and theatre students travel to Sydney and Melbourne with Academy lecturers and perform for agents, producers and media. That way they are not disadvantaged by Perth’s isolation.

It is Friends’ contributions which helps give them their chance.

Each year the Friends raise funds to directly assist students at the Academy. In order to raise these funds, the Friends rely on subscriptions from members and a number of fundraising events such as Friends’ nights at major performances, and might also include an auction of goods and services, guided tours of the Academy, School of Visual Arts staff exhibitions, and other special events organised from time to time.

WHY BECOME A FRIEND?

Apart from the great personal satisfaction you will receive from supporting the work of some outstanding young talent, being a Friend provides other benefits for you.

As a Friend you gain preferential and discounted admission to Academy performances and functions; advance knowledge of forthcoming events, including free lunchtime recitals and workshops; special Friends’ performances—throughout the year a number of performances are set aside as ‘Friends of the Academy events’. These events give Friends the opportunity to meet the performers, to discuss the performances with the directors and artistic staff and to introduce new members to the Friends’ organisation.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM